Both commentators catch it instantly, their laughter slicing through the roar of the crowd.
"Well, look at that… the kid who froze under stage fright finally found his tongue!"
"Yeah, and he's using it to taunt a veteran. Bold move… or suicidal."
Ryohei freezes. The words dig deep, stoking something dark under his ribs. The crowd's laughter swells, mixing with the pulse hammering in his ears.
He can't tell if it's rage or adrenaline, only that it burns hot and bright.
"You can't just ignore that kind of jab!" one commentator goads.
"What's Ryohei gonna do now?" the other adds, voice sharp with anticipation.
Ryohei's lips twitch, anger flaring.
But then, a crazy thought flickers through his mind, dangerous, reckless, but perfect.
Still, he lets the mask of anger take over.
"You son of a bitch!"
He lunges forward, right hand cocked, wild and unrestrained.
Kobo grins. "Amateur."
A jab flicks out first.
Ryohei sees it coming. But he grits his teeth, and takes it clean.
